Moldova

Quick Facts

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Capital

Chisinau

Population

4,439,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)

Languages

Moldovan, Russian, Gagauz

Calling Code

+373

Nationality

Moldovan, Moldavians

Introduction

Chisinau

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Rich fertile soil, rolling green hills, areas of woodland and gorgeous fields of sunflowers: Moldova is a land of considerable natural beauty. Vineyards line much of the landscape, and Moldovan wine is some of the finest, particularly considering its low price.

But the sad fact remains that Moldova is a nation struggling to get to its feet. Throughout the centuries, Moldovians have been pushed to and fro and passed through countless pairs of hands to end up in the 21st century trying desperately to come into its own. In 2001, Moldova elected a Communist to be its leader, becoming the first ex-Soviet colony to do so. Last year, large public demonstrations were held in opposition to the government. Widespread poverty add to the discontentment. This volatile situation makes Moldova less than ideal for your next family holiday.

Some of the Moldavian hotels organize excursions to Moldavian monasteries and medieval fortresses. The guides will speak Romanian, Russian or English. In case of excursions to Moldavian wineries they will arrange for you a professional wine tasting.

Brief History

Geography

Moldova shares international borders with Romania and Ukraine.

Regions

Moldova consists of 32 administrative rayons. The country can however be divided into two geographically distinct regions.

• The hilly steppes (Codru) in the centre & north.
• The Bugeac plains in the south.

Two special regions are worth noting.

• Gagauzia is an autonomous region in Moldova's south.
• Transnistria is a breakaway province in Moldova's east, between the Dniester River and the Romanian border.

Cities

• Chisinau - The capital
• Tiraspol - In Transnistria, a separated part of Moldova
• Balti
• Tighina
• Ungheni
• Comrat
• Orhei

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Air Moldova is the national airline of the country and is based at Chişinău International Airport (KIV) near the capital. Destinations include Athens, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Paris, Milan, Rome and Vienna. Air Baltic flies to and from Riga and Vilnius.

By Train

There are trains to and from Odesa in the Ukraine and to and from Bukarest in Romania among several other connections.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

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Health

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